How (or Whether) To Remove A Chimney Breast
First of all, an apology: The title of this blog is partly misleading - we will not be going into any step by step instructions of how to remove a chimney breast.
As the type, desired outcomes and implications of the work can vary from property to property, we can not provide a method to follow here. We would always recommend you seek our help to devise a scheme and methodology to allow you or (if you are not familiar with undertaken construction and demolition works) your appointed contractor.
Why Remove a Chimney Breast?
Before we dive into the details, it's essential to understand why you might want to remove a chimney breast in the first place.
Common reasons include:
Creating more space in your home
Installing new construction projects, such as a fireplace or kitchen extension
Improving the structure or appearance of your property
How Much of a Chimney Breast Could I Remove?
When removing a chimney breast, you must consider the structural integrity of your home. Ideally, you should only remove as much of the breast as necessary to achieve your desired outcome. Here are a few factors to consider:
Lower Floor:
If you want to remove the breast from the lower floor only, you could consider partially removing the breast to minimise the impact on the overall structure above.
Upper Floor(s):
For chimneys that extend beyond the first floor, removing too much of the breast may affect the stability of the property - it may be that the chimney breast was providing a buttress to a flank wall, for example. In such cases, it is recommended to maintain the upper portion of the breast to maintain the building's structural integrity.
It is important to note that removing a chimney breast often involves more than just removal, as you'll likely need to:
Prop the floors above using proprietary props or temporary posts
Build supports to maintain the strength and structural stability of the building
Remove the flues (the internal structure connecting the chimney to the house) and chimney pots
Install a ventilation air duct to ensure adequate air flow
Cost to Remove Chimney Breast (Chimney Breast Removal Cost)
The cost to remove a chimney breast varies depending on several factors, including:
Size and complexity of the chimney breast
Depth of removal (is the breast being removed at lower ground floor level, first floor, or more extensively?)
Age of the property (those constructed before 1900 might require more specialised assistance)
As such, it is not realistic or helpful to provide estimates to try and give you an idea of the costs involved. We recommend that you approach a contractor to provide a quotation once you have it confirmed by a qualified professional what level of works will be involved.
Conclusion
Removing a chimney breast involves both skill and strategic planning. Before tackling such a project, take into account the factors covered here, including how much of the breast to remove, the costs involved, and the importance of working with experienced professionals to guarantee your property's structural safety. Always consult with reputable professionals, such as structural designers at RF Gill & Associates, to ensure successful chimney breast removal.
Keep in mind that not everyone is experienced in completing successful chimney breast removal processes - the safety of structures depend on this understanding. By partnering with experts in our structural design firm – safety and peace of mind may be ensured.
Related blogs:
What Does A Structural Engineer Do?